‘The Chelsea Detective’ Returns: Season 4 Filming Underway with Deadlier Cases in London’s Elite Enclave

Mystery enthusiasts have cause for celebration as Acorn TV announces the renewal and active production of The Chelsea Detective Season 4. Filming commenced in and around London in mid-2025, with the beloved series set to deliver four feature-length episodes premiering exclusively on Acorn TV in 2026.

At the heart of the show remains Adrian Scarborough reprising his nuanced portrayal of Detective Inspector Max Arnold—a thoughtful, houseboat-dwelling sleuth whose understated lifestyle contrasts sharply with the opulent, secretive world of Chelsea’s high society. Partnered once again with the sharp Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh, played by Vanessa Emme, the duo will navigate their most perilous investigations yet.

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“We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Chelsea for yet another mystery-packed season of The Chelsea Detective, a true fan favorite among our passionate subscribers,” said Don Klees, SVP of Programming at Acorn TV. “We’re excited to be back on the case with the talented Adrian Scarborough and Vanessa Emme as the stakes have never been higher for DI Max Arnold, DS Layla Walsh and their team.”

The new season promises heightened tension, delving into four standalone yet intricately woven murder cases set against Chelsea’s polished facades and shadowy underbelly:

A prominent fashion mogul ensnared—and ultimately drowned—in the deadly trappings of her own wealth and ambition.
An aristocratic dynasty resorting to brutal measures to protect their ancient bloodline and inherited secrets.
A high-end wellness and beauty salon proprietor hiding lethal truths behind a veneer of rejuvenation and luxury.
A cryptic double-murder originating in Chelsea that expands into the ruthless, competitive realm of high-stakes architecture.

These plots amplify the series’ signature blend of smart plotting, emotional depth, and atmospheric cinematography, highlighting the stark divide between Chelsea’s elegant streets and the dark motives lurking within its exclusive neighborhoods.

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Returning alongside Scarborough and Emme are key team members: Sophie Stone as the formidable Chief Forensics Officer Ashley Wilton, Lucy Phelps as tech-savvy DC Jess Lombard, Peter Bankolé as reliable DC Connor Pollock, and Frances Barber as Max’s meddlesome yet endearing Aunt Olivia. The supporting ensemble continues to provide witty banter and grounded realism amid the glamour.

Created and executive produced by Emmy winner Peter Fincham, the series originated during lockdown and has evolved into a standout British crime drama. “The Chelsea Detective began during lockdown in a world of social distancing and Covid tests,” Fincham reflected. “It’s amazing to think that we’re about to start filming the fourth series. Max Arnold, Layla Walsh and their colleagues continue to discover different and surprising sides of Chelsea.”

Season 4 scripts come from Fincham, Glen Laker (Vera), and Liz Lake (The Mallorca Files), with direction by Richard Signy (Death in Paradise) and Audrey Cooke (Agatha Raisin). Produced by Ella Kelly, it’s a co-production between Acorn Media Enterprises, ZDF, and Expectation.

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Since premiering in 2022, The Chelsea Detective has captivated audiences with its character-driven storytelling, avoiding gratuitous violence in favor of psychological intrigue and moral complexity. Max Arnold’s houseboat on Cheyne Walk serves as a recurring symbol of his detachment from the affluent crimes he solves, adding layers to Scarborough’s acclaimed performance.

Fans can anticipate subtle personal developments, including hints of romance for Max, while the core focus remains on gripping, self-contained mysteries. As production captures London’s iconic locations—from riverside walks to grand townhouses—the visual richness that defines the series will be more stunning than ever.

With its refined take on the genre, The Chelsea Detective Season 4 is poised to be the most compelling yet, proving once again that beneath Chelsea’s sophistication lies a hotbed of deception and despair.